Ann Brown

She was born in Evanston, Ill., on Sept. 19, 1935, daughter of the late Mary Ann Taylor and George Lewis Ekern.

She and her two brothers, Louis and Herman, spent most of their childhood in Illinois, attending primary school in Lake Bluff and high school in Lake Forest. The family was active in the local Catholic church and parish activities. Ann participated in high school theater, dance, cheerleading, and was also a school journalist.

Ann attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, graduating in 1957 with a degree in secondary education, history and English. It was there that she met the love of her life, Robert Brown, on a blind date. Upon graduation, Robert enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany. Ann reflected on traveling to Amsterdam to see him and “escorted” him to a jewelry store after stating her terms of engagement. While Bob was in the service, Ann taught fourth and fifth graders near her family home. Her brother recalls Ann riding the electric trolley from their home in Lake Bluff to Libertyville to teach classes.

Ann and Bob were married on July 23, 1960, and settled in Whitefish Bay, Wis. During that time she earned her master’s degree from The University of Wisconsin in education. One of the happiest times of her life began in 1971 when Bob got a position in a local bank, and they relocated to Iron Mountain. In 1978 they built a house on the Spread Eagle Chain of Lakes. Ann participated in many activities on the Chain, including Garden Club, Book Club and Tuesday Study Club. She volunteered in the Iron Mountain community, including DCM Hospital League, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, St. Vincent De Paul food bank, TRICO and the history museum. Robert and Ann were blessed with 53 years of marriage.

Ann was a devout and active member of St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church for almost 50 years. In her early years in Iron Mountain, Ann taught C.C.D. and fifth graders at Bishop Baraga Catholic School. She was a Eucharistic minister and brought communion every Sunday to those at Manor Care as well as other nursing homes. One of her favorite activities was being involved with the GFWC Women’s Club, where she was a member for 50 years, participating in numerous fundraising projects and luncheons at Pine Grove Country Club. She was also a member of Pine Grove CC and The Chippewa Club, where she enjoyed many evenings out with family and friends.

Ann loved to travel and made many trips overseas to visit museums and historical sites. She also enjoyed the quieter times, fondly remembering calm evening boat rides on the Chain with Bob and their many dogs and paddling her kayak around the lake to visit with relatives.

Ann is survived by her brother, Louis Ekern (Sandy); and many nieces and nephews, including Jay Brown (Mary), Kent Brown (Jennifer), Alicen Phillips ( Will), Mary Ekern, Gail Brown and J.R. Ekern (Lisa).

Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her brother, Herman; as well as her parents.

The family wishes to thank the dedicated, supportive staff at Maryhill Manor for caring for Ann.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ann’s name may be made to the St. Vincent De Paul Food Bank or The Spread Eagle Chain of Lakes Association.

Friends and family are invited to gather at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13, in the vestibule of St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church prior to the funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Father Janusz Romanek will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. A graveside service will be held immediately after Mass for all those wishing to attend.

Condolences to the family of Ann Brown may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.